Christmas in Carmel

Saturday, Nov. 18, brings the grand opening of the City of Carmel’s latest public amenities, both located on the Center Green between the Palladium and the James Building:

• The inaugural Carmel Christkindlmarkt, a holiday bazaar in the centuries-old German tradition; and
• The Ice at Center Green, the city’s first outdoor skating rink.

Each is expected to become an annual presence, complementing the city’s busy schedule of warm-weather events.

From Mayor Brainard

“I think we can safely say that winter in Carmel will never be the same,” Mayor Jim Brainard said at a recent news conference.

Grand unveiling

The new features will be unveiled during the Holiday at Center Green celebration, which will begin at 3:30 p.m. Nov. 18 with entertainment, genuine reindeer, a tree lighting ceremony, and a visit from Santa.

The Christkindlmarkt

The Christkindlmarkt will feature more than 30 vendor huts selling authentic German gift items, most of them handcrafted, as well as live entertainment and traditional German food and beverages.  The Ice at Center Green is an 80-by-180 rink, with skate rental and ice time sold in prescheduled blocks.

Hours of operation

Both will have afternoon and evening hours Wednesdays through Sundays.  The market will run through Dec. 24, and the rink will be operated through March 11, thanks to a chilling system that will maintain the ice even if the weather warms.  (Both will be closed Thanksgiving Day.)

For more information

For specific hours, prices and other information, visit carmelchristkindlmarkt.com and theiceatcentergreen.com.